Senator Plett: We are continually being told how seriously you take this. Leader, when asked about this the other day, a spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said that the decision is not up to politicians. That it is “a careful, non-political process undertaken by Canada’s natural security agencies.” Not political.

Senator Gold, it is unbelievable that your government is trying to play this off as something that is not your responsibility, when you take it as seriously as you do, and yet it is somehow not your responsibility. Where there is a national security interest to act, officials respond, Senator Gold.

The question is a straightforward one, a yes-or-no answer, Senator Gold: Does the government believe that the IRGC is a terrorist entity or does it not?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Leader, I want to follow up on my question to you from yesterday about your government’s reluctance to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, as a terrorist entity, which you deflected very similarly to what your colleague, Minister Joly, did on Monday. Leader, your government’s foot-dragging on this is truly puzzling especially when you consider that in 2012 the previous government listed Iran as a state supporter of terror.

Senator Gold, why then is the main terror arm of the state not fully sanctioned and listed as a terrorist entity?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, on behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, I am pleased to rise in this chamber and welcome our new colleague who was sworn in just a few minutes ago.

Welcome to the Senate of Canada, Honourable Ian Shugart. Please know that we look forward to working in a collaborative way with you in this chamber.

Last night, as I was preparing my welcoming remarks, I reflected on the day I was asked to serve in the upper chamber. It is a day we all cherish — one filled with excitement and anticipation. For most of us, it is a day when we feel the weight of the responsibility that has been entrusted to us. Then it dawned on me — Senator Shugart, as the former Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada, you have been entrusted with the weight of public service for quite some time.

Somehow, I can imagine that your recent conversation with the Prime Minister must have been such a contrast to what you have been accustomed to. This must have been the most pleasant conversation of all the conversations you have ever had — and we all know you’ve had your fair share of discussions over the years as the senior civil servant of the Government of Canada, as well as in the many other roles and responsibilities you’ve had over the years.

Senator Shugart, I have no doubt that you will bring a unique and valuable perspective to our debates and discussions, and I trust that you will always keep in mind our duty to ensure the best interests of Canadians.

Canadians have gone through a lot in recent years. Many feel their voices are not being heard or represented in Ottawa. Colleagues, I encourage all of us here today to take the time to reflect on how we can individually and collectively work together to ensure the best path forward for Canadians across our beautiful country. Canadians are in need of hope that Parliament has their best interests at stake.

The Conservative caucus is determined to provide reassurance to Canadians that we are working for them and endeavouring to put them first.

Senator Shugart, Conservatives have a clear mandate in this chamber, and we are focused. Please know that we look forward to working with you. And if you are ever inclined to work on the most effective team in the Senate, you just need to move one seat over. I know Jake Epp would support that. I know there are senators who have lost their way over the years — I wouldn’t want to point to anyone — but, Senator Shugart, we would welcome you.

On behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, I want to warmly welcome you as you embark on a journey with us in the Senate of Canada.

Senator Plett: Yes or no.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, for our questions to be predictable makes a lot of sense because we’re not getting answers. For your answers to be predictable, they shouldn’t be. We should be getting the answers that we are asking questions about. We don’t, so we have to keep asking. Let me ask you a predictable question, leader.

The country’s home ownership rate is on the decline, according to Statistics Canada. The most affected group is young Canadians between the ages of 25 and 29, who are finding it increasingly difficult, leader, to afford the average home in today’s outrageous housing market. Meanwhile, the renter rate has grown at more than twice the rate of ownership of households between 2011 and 2021. Who has been in government during that time?

So this is Trudeau’s Canada, is it, leader? Where young Canadians are being locked out of home ownership and having their futures and opportunities robbed by a reckless government pursuing inflationary policies to no end. What is your predictable answer and solution to this problem, leader?

Senator Plett: Well, leader, you say that the government and the opposition have differences of opinion, and you’re certainly right there. I guess the main thing is that we have statistics and facts on our side.

Regardless of what your government says, regardless of your opinion, the facts indicate that housing is only becoming less affordable for the average household. This is during your government’s tenure. In fact, a report released by the Parliamentary Budget Officer just this morning indicates that the gap between the national average house price and what an average household could afford has increased from 45% in December 2021 to 67% in August 2022.

Leader, this NDP-Liberal government has had six years — well, I guess the NDP hasn’t been part of the government for six years, but it has been part of it for at least the last year — to fix the issue of housing affordability and has failed to develop a plan that works.

When will you stop doubling down on a failing system that hurts Canadians and continues to let supply lag far behind demand?